Recently appointed captain of the West Indies T20 side to face Nepal, Akeal Hosein expects the senior players in the team to step up to the plate when their T20I series bowls off on Saturday.
A relatively young West Indies 15-member squad, which includes six possible debutants, was recently named to take on Nepal in a three-match T20I series from September 27 to 30 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
With several key players missing, Hosein is counting on the more experienced players to shoulder most of the responsibility.
“We’re not going to put too much pressure on (the younger players). It’s just about them coming and expressing themselves,” Hosein said recently.
“We’ve seen some talent in the CPL as well, so for them, it’s to come and play, enjoy and do what got them selected in the first place. No stress, no pressure.
“Most of the senior guys will have to try and take up that pressure mantle and just allow the younger players to come on and play freely and do what they love and enjoy,” he explained.
Hosein, who will lead the side for the first time with usual T20I captain Shai Hope representing the West Indies Test team on their tour of India, said he was excited at the opportunity.
“To be named captain is an honour and a privilege. With that being said, it’s a young team and there are a couple of senior guys as well.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and just going over there and hopefully win the series,” Hosein said.
“I’m not sure where this (opportunity) will take me, but I’m just taking it one step at a time, I’d say.”
CMC
